Studies Show That Botox Makes You Happier.

Accordingly to research, Botox may make you happier.  Botox may not only provide a nonsurgical face-lift — it may also lift your spirits.

By inhibiting contraction of the facial muscles used for frowning, Botulinum Toxin A — or Botox — prevents people from physically displaying expressions of negative emotion. Building on previous research that suggests facial expressions not only reflect but influence mood levels, the new study hypothesizes that Botox may lighten people's moods by literally wiping the frowns off their faces. 

A study, published in the March issue of the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, followed 25 cosmetic-surgery patients, 12 of whom received injections of Botulinum Toxin A or similar neurotoxins, the others receiving fillers, peels or other cosmetic treatments for wrinkles. 

Two weeks after the treatments, the patients filled out a Hospital Anxiety and Depression test — a self-screening questionnaire for depression and anxiety. They also rated the success of their treatments.

"The Botox patients scored much lower on measures of depression, anxiety and irritability," explains Michael Lewis, a psychology professor at the University of Cardiff and lead author of the study. "Crucially, there was no significant difference in how much their treatment made them feel attractive from those who had other treatments, suggesting that [the mood boost] wasn't just down to a boost in self-confidence." 

In 2006, Dr. Eric Finzi, a cosmetic surgeon in Maryland, injected Botox into frown lines around the mouth or in the forehead furrows of 10 clinically depressed women. The treatment was found to eliminate depression symptoms in nine of them and to reduce symptoms in the 10th woman. At the time, Finzi explained the results using the facial-feedback hypothesis — a feedback loop in which people frown back at a depressed person, further deepening that person's sense of isolation. He suggested that if a depressed person can't frown because of Botox treatment, then others won't frown back at them, thereby breaking the loop. 

Lewis says he believes the theory that facial muscles influence brain activity directly and points to earlier research that suggests such a neurological link. 

While the cosmetic industry did not fund Lewis' study, it will probably get a boost from his new Botox research. The industry has already shown interest in promoting Botox as a mood enhancer.

"I, myself, feel happier when I have Botox inhibiting my ability to frown. Being frown-free puts a whole new spin on the joy of life.